The term 'FERRET's Cousin' can refer to two different animals: the ERMINE and the MONGOOSE. The ERMINE is a small mammal native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and is also known as the stoat or short-tailed weasel. It has a white winter coat and is a member of the Mustelidae family, which includes ferrets, minks, and otters. The MONGOOSE is a small mammal native to Africa, Asia, and southern Europe. It is a member of the Herpestidae family and is known for its ability to fight and kill venomous snakes. Both the ERMINE and the MONGOOSE are related to the FERRET, making them cousins of the FERRET.